章 7: Road Trip
The Nevada sky was clear as Alex left Las Vegas behind, his Rezvani Tank X rushing confidently along the highway. As the road stretched into the horizon, cars passed by, carrying different people with different goals in life. He started thinking about what he wanted and what he should do with his power.
The first leg of the trip was long, with miles of open desert giving way to rolling hills. Alex stopped at Zion National Park to marvel at the towering red cliffs and winding canyons. A short hike to a viewpoint left him exhilarated, the cool wind brushing against his skin.
"Let's see if I can change the breeze," he muttered. Visualizing a gentle gust, he felt the air shift, the wind blowing softly through the canyon.
Alex spread his hands to feel it.
[You're like a kid,] Lily teased.
"What's next, Lily? Should I try… making fire?" he asked half-seriously.
[Let's not set the national park on fire. Try something harmless first,] Lily replied.
Alex focused on a boulder, imagining it rising into the air. At first, nothing happened. Lily's voice rang in his mind.
[You're trying too hard. Relax. Visualize, and let the energy guide you.]
Alex took a deep breath, and suddenly the boulder quivered before lifting slightly off the ground. "Whoa!" he exclaimed, his concentration faltering as the rock dropped back with a thud.
[Not bad for a first attempt. You just need practice,] Lily praised.
Alex continued on his way, stopping in Salt Lake City for the night at the Hilton Garden Inn.
The next day, Alex drove north, the landscape transitioning to green valleys and snow-capped mountains. Just outside Jackson, Wyoming, he spotted a deer along the road, its hind legs bent at odd angles.
Pulling over, Alex approached cautiously. The animal's wide eyes darted toward him in fear. "It's okay," he whispered, kneeling down. While being aware of the passing cars, he reached out, his hand glowing faintly as warm golden energy enveloped the deer. The leg straightened, the swelling receded in moments.
The deer blinked at him before jumping into the woods. Alex stood there for a moment, stunned.
"Ungrateful," he murmured.
'Shouldn't you lick my hands and we become friends?' he thought.
[Why so petty? You treated that poor fella as an experimental subject,] Lily remarked.
"Hey! Slander. My intention was pure," Alex shot back.
[Tsk. Excuses,] Lily scoffed.
"Look, he's fine. Healing doesn't have an overdose, right?" he asked doubtfully.
[No, but that deer may live several years longer and regenerate if wounded.]
"See, he got a bargain," Alex quipped.
Continuing north, Alex entered the majestic Grand Teton National Park, where jagged peaks pierced the sky. He stopped at a tranquil lake, the reflection of the mountains mirrored perfectly in the water. "This place feels… alive," he said aloud.
[Everything carries energy, Alex. You can feel it if you focus.]
Alex closed his eyes and felt a faint hum. Experimenting, he channeled his energy outward like a sonar. The still lake rippled, waves radiating from where he stood.
"Tsk. Boring, no treasures found."
Later, in Yellowstone National Park, Alex marveled at the vibrant hues of the Grand Prismatic Spring.
He also wondered if the volcano might erupt someday, so he focused his senses beneath the surface for a while. He felt reassured that there was no magma bubbling or creeping upward to create pressure, for the time being.
Alex spent his third night in Bozeman, a vibrant college town surrounded by mountains. He parked outside the SpringHill Suites, a modern hotel just off the highway. The building looked clean and functional, with large windows and a bright lobby. He grabbed his bag and headed inside.
The lobby was spacious and welcoming. A couple of travelers sat nearby, chatting quietly. The receptionist checked him in quickly, handing him his key with a friendly smile.
His room was neat and comfortable, with a large bed, a work desk, and a window that looked out onto the rolling hills of Bozeman. The space was simple but had everything he needed after a long day. He tossed his bag onto the chair and sank into the bed, grateful for the quiet.
After tidying up a bit, he headed down for dinner. There was a fitness center and an indoor pool, but Alex didn't plan to use them tonight. He just needed rest before continuing his journey in the morning.
The final leg of the journey was quieter, with Montana's rolling hills and dense forests stretching endlessly. By late afternoon, Alex arrived at the ranch. The sight of the vast property surrounded by Lolo National Forest brought a wave of nostalgia. This was the sanctuary his father had cherished, a place filled with shared memories.
Parking the Tank, Alex stepped out and took a deep breath. The air was fresh and clean, carrying the scent of pine. For the first time in weeks, he felt truly relaxed.
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